PhD In Chemistry
Uiniversity Of Porto, Chemistry Research Centre
Dr. Renata Barros da Costa is a chemist and interdisciplinary researcher at the University of Porto, where she integrates cutting-edge research, sustainability innovation, and science communication. With a PhD in Chemistry and advanced training in science policy, project management, and environmental economics, her work bridges electrochemical science and sustainability solutions. Her pioneering studies on ionic liquids and electrified interfaces have advanced energy storage technologies and led to the development of biosensors for health, food safety, and environmental monitoring. She has led and collaborated on numerous international research projects, including initiatives promoting circular economy through marine biowaste valorization for energy materials. RC´s research has resulted in over 40 peer-reviewed publications and more than 950 citations, reflecting global impact. RC is currently concluding a second MSc in Environmental Economics & Management focusing on green hydrogen strategy and policy. Passionate about sustainability literacy, RC actively engages with youth, policymakers, and industry through workshops, media outreach, and European networks. As a Climate Interactive En-ROADS Ambassador and an advocate for inclusive science, RC aims to contribute her scientific insight, systems thinking, and policy acumen to Pillars of Sustainability Global mission, supporting transformative change for a just and resilient future.
As a chemist, science communicator, and emerging policy expert, I am deeply motivated to contribute to Pillar 2: Climate Action & Renewable Energy of the 7 Pillars of Sustainability Global. My academic and professional journey embodies a cross-disciplinary commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies while addressing climate justice and system-level transformation. I hold a PhD in Chemistry and am currently concluding a second MSc in Environmental Economics & Management. My MSc explores the role of incumbent energy companies in green hydrogen strategy, analyzing the technological, economic, and geopolitical dynamics of this emergent sector. This research aligns directly with the pillar’s mission to promote renewable energy adoption, net-zero strategies, and equitable transitions. For over a decade, I have led and contributed to research on electrochemical systems for clean energy storage, non-toxic deep eutectic solvents, and sustainable electrodes from marine biowaste, paving pathways for non-toxic, circular approaches to supercapacitor and battery technologies. I co-led the IL4Energy project and actively contribute to international consortia under COST Actions related to energy storage, forest-based bioproducts, and sustainable port ecosystems. My work has been cited in over 950 scientific publications, with more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, often as corresponding or lead author.In parallel, I engage in systems-thinking capacity building and I am trained in lifecycle assessment and in science-policy interfaces through EU initiatives such as EUGLOH and EIT Climate-KIC. As co-manager of CIQUP-IMS’s-RT4 science communication channels, I contribute to climate literacy through public-facing workshops, youth engagement, and media features. I am particularly drawn to this pillar's emphasis on a just transition. My work in transforming marine waste into value-added materials directly contributes to circular economy goals, while my collaborations with international researchers, communities, and educators reflect a strong ethic of inclusion and equity. Joining Pillar 2 would allow me to amplify these efforts within a global interdisciplinary community committed to decarbonization and resilience. I bring a unique blend of scientific expertise, policy insight, and public engagement experience, dedicated to bridging knowledge and action for climate stabilization, clean energy access, and social justice.
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- 2025 FruitGlow project prize in “33rd Concurso Nacional para Jovens Cientistas e Investigadores” in Mostra Nacional de Ciência 2025, Porto, Portugal. Project awarded a national distinction and chosen to represent Portugal at Exposciences Occitanie 2026, an international showcase of innovative science and technology projects, Toulouse, France - May 2026.
- 2025 BEST POSTER PRIZE EU-PoTaRCh COST ACTION S. Henriques, K. Trapaga-Monchet, A. Brandão, R. Costa*, Charcoal: a long-run economic, social and environmental history, CA22155 - EU-PoTaRCh Annual Meeting, 19-21 March 2025, Poznan, Poland.
- 2023 ILMAT BEST POSTER PRIZE J. Parajó, T. Morales, P. Vallet, H. Montes, J. Salgado, M. Villanueva, A. Santiago, L. Varela, C. Pereira, A. Brandão, A. Silva, R. Costa*, Electric Double Layer Structure of Salt-in-Protic Ionic-Liquid Ethylammonium Nitrate Doped With Lithium, 7th International Conference on Ionic Liquid-Based Materials, 21-24 November 2023, Porto, Portugal.
Dr. Renata Barros da Costa is a chemist and interdisciplinary researcher at the University of Porto, where she integrates cutting-edge research, sustainability innovation, and science communication. With a PhD in Chemistry and advanced training in science policy, project management, and environmental economics, her work bridges electrochemical science and sustainability solutions. Her pioneering studies on ionic liquids and electrified interfaces have advanced energy storage technologies and led to the development of biosensors for health, food safety, and environmental monitoring. She has led and collaborated on numerous international research projects, including initiatives promoting circular economy through marine biowaste valorization for energy materials. RC´s research has resulted in over 40 peer-reviewed publications and more than 950 citations, reflecting global impact. RC is currently concluding a second MSc in Environmental Economics & Management focusing on green hydrogen strategy and policy. Passionate about sustainability literacy, RC actively engages with youth, policymakers, and industry through workshops, media outreach, and European networks. As a Climate Interactive En-ROADS Ambassador and an advocate for inclusive science, RC aims to contribute her scientific insight, systems thinking, and policy acumen to Pillars of Sustainability Global mission, supporting transformative change for a just and resilient future.
As a chemist, science communicator, and emerging policy expert, I am deeply motivated to contribute to Pillar 2: Climate Action & Renewable Energy of the 7 Pillars of Sustainability Global. My academic and professional journey embodies a cross-disciplinary commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies while addressing climate justice and system-level transformation. I hold a PhD in Chemistry and am currently concluding a second MSc in Environmental Economics & Management. My MSc explores the role of incumbent energy companies in green hydrogen strategy, analyzing the technological, economic, and geopolitical dynamics of this emergent sector. This research aligns directly with the pillar’s mission to promote renewable energy adoption, net-zero strategies, and equitable transitions. For over a decade, I have led and contributed to research on electrochemical systems for clean energy storage, non-toxic deep eutectic solvents, and sustainable electrodes from marine biowaste, paving pathways for non-toxic, circular approaches to supercapacitor and battery technologies. I co-led the IL4Energy project and actively contribute to international consortia under COST Actions related to energy storage, forest-based bioproducts, and sustainable port ecosystems. My work has been cited in over 950 scientific publications, with more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, often as corresponding or lead author.
In parallel, I engage in systems-thinking capacity building and I am trained in lifecycle assessment and in science-policy interfaces through EU initiatives such as EUGLOH and EIT Climate-KIC. As co-manager of CIQUP-IMS’s-RT4 science communication channels, I contribute to climate literacy through public-facing workshops, youth engagement, and media features. I am particularly drawn to this pillar's emphasis on a just transition. My work in transforming marine waste into value-added materials directly contributes to circular economy goals, while my collaborations with international researchers, communities, and educators reflect a strong ethic of inclusion and equity. Joining Pillar 2 would allow me to amplify these efforts within a global interdisciplinary community committed to decarbonization and resilience. I bring a unique blend of scientific expertise, policy insight, and public engagement experience, dedicated to bridging knowledge and action for climate stabilization, clean energy access, and social justice.